The sacred round - a witch's guide to magical practice

Every sacred path has stages and layers of practice that require more commitment and reveal deeper facets and truths. In this book for intermediate to advanced practitioners, British Craft Elder and Pagan Federation member Hawke (In the Circle) provides adherents of earth religions with concrete, specific ways to go beyond initial observations of the seasonal year. Through various formulas, especially detailed ceremony descriptions, Hawke gently and even poetically sets the stage for worship. In her preface to Samhain (October 31 to November 1), for example, she writes: "Rivers run engorged through desolate banks, and the streams are slowed by the delicate tracery of ice as frost breathes across the landscape." First and foremost a practical guide, however, this easy-to-use book shows readers how to deepen their practice in chapters devoted to the elements, chakras, meditation and visualization, moon phases, seasonal festivals, magic and divination. Liturgies include lists for tools, supplies and offerings; ritual language; and adaptations suitable for group, duet or solo practice. Like all serious Wiccan materials, Hawke's book is careful to delineate spiritual pitfalls that arise from seeking to assert one's will over another's, even for presumed good, but especially for harm. In her thinking, practitioners follow the ancient teachings of witchcraft not just for personal or group edification, but also "for spiritual growth, for shared joy, and to give something back to the world in which we live." (Jan.)Forecast: As Wicca continues to thrive in the United States and Britain, there's a growing need for books that transcend the introductory level. This well-written manual is poised for modest success, and could be a strong backlist title.